Gazillions of tiny, tiny, tiny creatures live on and in your body. And not just there. They’re in the air, in water, in dirt, in and on plants and animals—everywhere! They are called microbes, and you need a microscope to see them. We couldn’t live without microbes.
But a few can make you sick. We call those ones germs, and they are usually either bacteria or viruses.
There are lots of kinds of bacteria in lots of shapes.
Whatever their shape, bacteria can grow and split into two identical copies—fast! If bad bacteria get inside you, it doesn’t take long for you to feel sick. Your body can fight back, but it takes time. Luckily, medicines called antibiotics can kill bacteria, so you get well quickly.
But antibiotics do not…
